SalsaBelfastNews&Pictures - Day of Salsa 2003 by Jacinta Morris

Hi everyone

This is just a quick update from the ‘Day of Salsa’.

I’m still on a high from the success of this event.  The charity discos have always been popular and well supported within the Salsa group, but being billed as the opener for the ‘Belfast Week of Dance’ gave us the opportunity to build on the success to date.  Initially we intended to only hold a disco but Richard had grander ideas in his head and workshops were added to offer newcomers a chance to get a flavour of the dance (and hopefully become addicted like the rest of us) and current dancers a chance to try out different styles.

So much work went on behind the scenes, involving quite a few people, which hopefully made the day seem organised - I know that a few of you were fooled.  This event received a lot of publicity and that is due to the Week of Dance organiser, Marbeth Hutchinson (Belfast City Council).  Several dancers were involved in different publicity shoots – Peppa, Encarna, Tony, Richard, Linda, Lindsay & Joe all strutted their stuff for TV, papers or promotion videos for next years Week of Dance. 

Regarding the day itself, I’d like to thank

-           the teachers (Annabel & Tony; Encarna & Peppa; Linda & Richard; Mike; and Martina & Clare) who not only facilitated the workshops but supported them by also taking part – I know how valuable everyone’s time is and to allow us such a large chunk on Saturday was fantastic;

-           The Empire and Madison’s for allowing us the use of their facilities; and

-           of course, everyone who attended and made them successful and fun.

The workshops alone raised £767

What can I say about the night?!?!?!  All the aforementioned headaches were easily forgotten when the music started and the dance floor filled – and, yes, a pint or two did also help!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following for their input to the evening –

-           Kate for compering, setting the format & giving John Daly a run for his money;

-           Linda & Sally from War on Want for their support and advice;

-           John Daly (patron of War on Want) for his independent judging of the competition;

-           Emilio & Rhoda for the class, as well as their enthusiasm and continued support of these charity nights;

-           Kevin McAllister for offering his services as DJ;

-           Chris and Peppa who both led line-ups, they were fun to watch; and

-           The two dance troops – Chicas Salsa & Latin Groove – for amazing demonstrations.  By the way, we are considering running a competition to see just how many changes of outfits Annabel had.

War on Want has confirmed that 282 people buying tickets that night, many people attending the workshops during the day and sponsorship and other donations bringing the grand total raised to £2,490 to help people in poverty in the developing world.

There are more photos below and click on them for a larger view - I know Marty was enthusiastically clicking away, they should be a scream!

If I have forgotten anyone, then I must apologise.  It’s not intentional, more that my head is filled with ideas of how we can make next year’s even better.  All suggestions are welcome so drop line to info@salsabelfast.co.uk

The next fundraiser is back in Duke’s Hotel on Saturday 2^nd August and will be raising money for homeless projects in Belfast.  Details are available at http://www.salsabelfast.com/fiesta

Congratulations & thanks to everyone.

Jacinta